Downing Reports: Brian M Downing and the world at war

Large gas field found off Egypt

Egypt, in conjunction with Italy’s ENI, has discovered a sizable gas field in the Mediterranean. This could solidify authoritarian rule, even though it would reduce the country’s reliance on Saudi money, which is of course tied to anti-democarctic pressure. Look for Egyptian to try to sell to European countries that don’t want to rely on Russia. European countries will also have the opportunity to buy from Israel and the US.

Catalans call for independence from Spain

Many countries in the Middle East are fragmenting. After all, they were created by western politicians not indigenous forces. But Europe is seeing the same phenomenon. Czechoslovakia broke up in the nineties – amicably. Scotland may vote to break free of the UK in coming years. Italy is facing regional antagonisms. So is the US.

Calls for reform continue in Lebanon

The incompetence of the country’s arcane political system has led to sustained protests, Poor garbage collection is the central issue. The protests may damage Lebanon’s fragile “confessional” state which balances Shia, Sunni, and Christian  forces.